Jesus said to the crowd:“They will seize and persecute you, they will hand you over to the synagogues and to prisons, and they will have you led before kings and governors because of my name. It will lead to your giving testimony. Remember, you are not to prepare your defense before hand, for I myself shall give you a wisdom in speakingthat all your adversaries will be powerless to resist or refute. You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death. You will be hated by all because of my name, but not a hair on your head will be destroyed. By your perseverance you will secure your lives.”
REFFLECTION
You will even be handed over by parents, brothers, relatives, and friends, and they will put some of you to death.
When Abraham was called by God to sacrifice his one and only son, what would have happened if he rebelled and held fast to the belief that God’s request was too cruel ?
Do we have this simple and childlike trust that whatever He asks of us our faith and trust will carry us? I am still working on my relationship with God. It boils down to, “Do I trust God?”
Fascination with the heroes of WWII takes me to questioning myself. Their strength was trust in the Lord and not fear of the earthly unknown terror. They did what was right, speaking out against antisemitism, resisting the “Hitler Bible” and fighting to save many lives from tyranny, gas chambers and hanging.They were willing to die so entirely submissive to the will of God.
Jesus warned us of the persecution and hate we would encounter all because of His Name. Holding fast to the song of the servant of God and the song of the Lord, we thank God for all He has done for us, His merciful justice, His ultimate sacrifice, our Redemption.
As we prepare for Thanksgiving may we remember all the priests who stood up against tyranny, hatred, evil and gave of themselves without hesitating. Thank them even though they may be cranky, their temperament is not to your liking, or they are easily annoyed when too many questions are asked.
They are fighting the good fight and trying their best to be servants of God. No criticism but prayers are what are needed. Thank you from all of us.
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